The Sunshine State (Ondo) Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has charged the state’s contingent at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta to surpass the state’s best-ever performance and bring pride to the State.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa encouraged the athletes during an unannounced visit to their camp at Babcock University. His presence came a day after attending the festival’s opening ceremony at the MKO Abiola International Stadium.
Addressing the elated team, the governor reminded them of the state’s historical participation in the festival since the early 1970s and emphasized the need to improve on the previous fourth-place finish—the highest ever achieved by the Sunshine State (Ondo), emphasizing the need for the athletes to give their all, remain focused, and maintain the state’s sporting legacy.
“We’ve finished between sixth and 13th in the past, and once came fourth. We must aim higher this time. You’re not just here to compete; you’re here to write a new chapter,” Aiyedatiwa told the team, assuring them of the state’s full backing and praying for their safety throughout the games.
Governor Aiyedatiwa with his enthusiasm for sports, further encouraged the athletes to stay bold and fair, highlighting the competition as a potential springboard for future opportunities in professional sports.
“Some of you could be discovered here and go on to greater heights. Make the most of this moment,” he said, while also challenging them to take on dominant sides like The Big Heart State (Delta) and the Gateway State (Ogun).
In response, the athletes expressed appreciation for the governor’s visit and pledged to deliver an impressive medal haul by the end of the competition.
The biennial event, scheduled to run from May 16 to 30, features contests in athletics, basketball, wrestling, swimming, and several other sporting categories.
